Lipuški by Lake Rāzna: Nature, Culture and Cycling

• Lipuški lies on the southern shore of Lake Rāzna.
• The interactive exhibition “Iepazīsti un sajūti Rāznas Nacionālo parku!” explores the national park’s natural values, protected areas, lakes and forests.
• The prayer house of the Lipuški Old Believer community was built in 1904 and is protected as a regionally significant architectural monument under state protection number 5830.
• The car park by the “Rāzna” Nature Education Centre can serve as a possible start and finish point for cycling route 783.
• The season for the Sajūtu taka at the nature centre is listed as 1 May to 1 September.

The interactive exhibition “Iepazīsti un sajūti Rāznas Nacionālo parku!” presents the national park’s natural values, protected areas, lakes and forests through information and photographs, as well as several activity tables. Its range of themes brings together different aspects of the national park, from its landscapes to its protected areas.

The nature centre’s educational programme explores lakes and forests through specific topics: aquatic life, what water plants and animals can reveal about water quality, landforms shaped by the Ice Age, and the distinctive features of coniferous forests on esker-like landforms. For a thematic overview, these can be divided into two perspectives: water bodies and water quality on the one hand, and Ice Age landscapes and forests on the other. Even if you are unfamiliar with the technical term “esker-like”, the focus here is on distinctive landforms and the coniferous forests associated with them.

The prayer house of the Lipuški Old Believer community was built in 1904 in the village of Lipuški by Lake Rāzna. It is protected as a regionally significant architectural monument; its state protection number is 5830. Inside, the women’s and men’s sections are strictly separated. A magnificent metal chandelier with enamel and crystal pendants is a striking feature of the interior: the spatial arrangement and the chandelier’s elaborate design are two distinct aspects of the building.

The Church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is a separate building. The newly built church in Lipuški was consecrated on 18 June 1895. This date marks the church’s consecration, while 1904 is the year the prayer house was built.

Ludmila Merkulova’s bell collection in Lipuški offers another cultural facet. No two little bells are alike; each is described as having its own sound and story. Unlike the buildings, the focus here is on the individual sounds and stories of the bells.

The cycling route “Around the Latgale Sea – Lake Rāzna” (route 783) can start and finish at the car park by the “Rāzna” Nature Education Centre. The car park is one possible option, not a required starting point. Its full address is: Skolas iela 3, Lipuški, Mākoņkalna pagasts, Rēzeknes novads. If you plan to start or finish your ride there, check the current route arrangements before your trip.

The season for the Sajūtu taka at the nature centre is listed as 1 May to 1 September. If you plan to visit outside this period, check the latest information in advance. Lipuški is also associated with a public bathing area; check the facilities before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Malta, Kaunata, Gaiduļi, Rēzekne, Rikopole, Seksti, Ratnieki, Astici.

When is the season for the Sajūtu taka?

The season is listed as 1 May to 1 September. Check the latest information before your visit.

Where can route 783 start and finish?

The car park by the “Rāzna” Nature Education Centre at Skolas iela 3, Lipuški, can serve as a possible start and finish point.

Which years are associated with the prayer house and the Church of Saint Nicholas?

The prayer house was built in 1904; the newly built Church of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker was consecrated on 18 June 1895.

For the broader travel overview: Rēzeknes Novads.